10: Spiritual Abuse: What It Is and Why It Matters with Tamara Powell, LMHC

Welcome to this episode. My guest today is Tamara Powell, a psychotherapist, and life coach who practices in Pensacola, FL. Tamara’s practice focuses on those struggling with issues related to sexuality and spirituality, including abuse and trauma. Many people don’t even realize that spiritual abuse exists; its potential to deeply wound those who experience it; and how difficult healing from spiritual abuse can be. I hope you will join us for this meaningful conversation.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Where sexuality and spirituality intersect

How spirituality gives support and strength

Questions about spirituality that a therapist might ask

The difference between being spiritual and being religious

Spiritual abuse: What is it?

Leaves no outward marks

Attacks worldview

Abuse of authority by religious leaders

Unreasonable demands of women

Long-term impacts of spiritual abuse

Why abuse includes teaching people not to “question”

Religious beliefs: structured vs. unstructured

Myths about spiritual abuse

Secondary and tertiary traumas

Words of wisdom: “Get comfortable and secure and THEN address the issue.”